Investigation launched after four-year-old boy seriously injured by a dog

A 31-year-old woman has been arrested after a four-year-old boy suffered serious injuries after being attacked by a dog last night (Saturday, 14 August).

It is believed that the boy had gone to visit a friend's house when he was attacked by the Bull Mastiff type dog in Wellesboune  Place, Norris Green. A brave neighbour who saw what was happening managed to fight the dog off the child and get him to safety.

He has suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he is being treated. His condition is described as serious but stable.
 
The dog has been seized and a woman from Norris Green has been arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a dangerously out of control dog and taken to a police station where she will be interviewed by detectives.
 
Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
 
Detective Inspector Chris Hawitt, said: “This incident has left a young child with serious injuries to his face and head, and will have been an extremely distressing incident for all who witnessed it.

"I would like to commend the neighbour whose quick thinking and selfless swift actions have probably saved the life of this young boy, who has suffered life changing injuries.
 
“Our enquiries into the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing, and we have seized the dog for the safety of the community and to establish its breed.
 
“We have a dedicated Sergeant who reviews all cases concerning  dangerous dogs, and are keen to speak to any witnesses who may have seen the incident or this dog on previous occasions.
 
"I want to emphasise that dog owners need to be mindful of their dogs' behaviour at all times , particularly where young children may be around the dog. And if owners take their dogs into public spaces they should keep their pet on a lead and muzzled  if it is liable to be aggressive.”
 
Anyone with information is asked to contact the social media desk @MerPolCC, call 101 with reference 929 of 13 August or you can call or the independent charity @CrimestoppersUK anonymously, on 0800 555 111. You can also use their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.